Harriet Howse is Head of International Recruitment and Development at Aberystwyth. She tells us more about the university, their experience of Cambridge International students and why Cambridge students should consider Aberystwyth University.
'Established in 1872, as the first university college in Wales, Aberystwyth University is one of the UK’s most important institutions. Our reputation for research power, teaching excellence, graduate employability and our unbelievable location next to the sea are what set us apart from other universities and attract students from over 100 different countries each year.'
International students
'We have around 1000 international students, which is roughly 20 per cent of the total undergraduate student population. There is a very diverse range of nationalities – around 1 per cent of the total undergraduate population is from China, similarly around 1 per cent from the USA, and around 1 per cent from Malaysia. The rest is made up by small numbers of students from nearly 100 other nationalities.'
Scholarships and other financial incentives
'For September 2022, all international fee-paying students are eligible for the International Accommodation Award, meaning you have the option of accommodation at no extra cost, for every year of your studies. For undergraduate students, this is a saving of roughly £12,000 over the duration of your course.'
'We also hold non-compulsory entrance exams each year, where the most successful students receive Scholarships up to £2,000 per year.'
Popular subjects
'Programmes in the Aberystwyth Business School, recently shortlisted for Business School of the Year, and our Department of Computer Science tend to be popular with our international students. However, our Department of International Politics is internationally renowned as it was the first of its kind in the world, and our Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences is second to none when it comes to programmes in Animal Sciences, Biology and Genetics, Agriculture, Conservation, and Climate Change.'
Cambridge International students
'The university welcomes applications from students studying Cambridge International qualifications. We have accepted Cambridge International students onto many of our undergraduate degrees over the years. Aberystwyth University has an inclusive admissions policy which recognises a broad range of qualifications and exam grades.'
'Cambridge International students are invariably well-rounded candidates who can evidence strong academic knowledge and study skills. The international nature of the curriculum and rigorous assessment measures offered by Cambridge International give us confidence as a higher education provider that students will be well prepared to enter higher education.'
'Generally, we look for BBB to BCC grades in A Levels for entry to our undergraduate courses. Cambridge Global Perspectives & Research can be accepted in addition to other A Level subjects. We also welcome applications from students studying Cambridge IPQ alongside their A Levels. The addition of this skills-based qualification provides demonstrable evidence of a student’s research and writing aptitudes – both of which are key skills for undergraduate study.'
'The university can accept Cambridge IGCSE First and Second Language with a Grade C overall as satisfying the English requirements for our undergraduate courses.'
What advice would you give to undergraduates? Cambridge International students
- 'Get involved. Joining clubs and societies at university is just as important as getting good grades – this is where you develop the soft skills needed for the life and career ahead of you.'
- 'Pay attention. Listen carefully in classes and seminars, find out how you can get extra support to apply for work experience or jobs after you graduate, and of course make sure you read everything sent through to you by the university - it is easy to miss an important email.'
Why should Cambridge International students choose your university?
'At Aberystwyth University we ensure that all our students feel safe, supported and at home. The professors teaching you make the effort to learn your name and make sure you know where to turn if you have a problem. At Aberystwyth you will be taught by the best, in the best way possible. This is why The Times and The Sunday Times ranking placed us at Number 1 in the UK for both Teaching Quality and Student Experience in 2021.'
Further information is available on the university website.